The ministry of education has revealed that recently-dismissed teacher Petrus Ndeulita, had a history of corporal punishment, which contributed to his dismissal.

Ndeulita was dismissed following an
incident in which he allegedly forced a grade seven learner to hold a chair over his head for an extended period. The learner eventually threw the chair away, and ran to the principal’s office to report the incident.

Teachers and learners in the Oshana region protested last Friday, demanding the immediate lifting of Ndeulita’s dismissal, claiming that it was unfair.

The ministry’s executive director (ED), Sanet Steenkamp, in a statement on Tuesday
clarified that this was not Ndeulita’s first offence, as his personal records revealed a history of 14 reported cases of corporal punishment.

“Ndeulita was also given a chance to state his case before his dismissal, during which he portrayed unbecoming and unruly behaviour in that he refused to acknowledge the charge- sheet,” she said.

This, she said, is viewed as undermining authority, especially considering his knowledge and awareness of the fact that administering corporal punishment is a chargeable offence.

Steenkamp said it is a legal requirement for all teaching staff to take an oath against the use of corporal punishment upon their appointment. Ndeulita also took the oath on 2 April 2019, in line with the Education Act.

The ED said in 2021, an investigation report was received by the ministry from its regional office concerning “unacceptable behaviour/corporal punishment” involving Ndeulita.

Although he cited a lack of knowledge as a mitigating factor, there is evidence on his file
that he had signed an oath against corporal punishment shortly after his recruitment as a teacher.

She stressed the ministry remains
committed to upholding the highest standards of professional conduct and ensuring that all disciplinary processes are conducted with fairness and justice.

Steenkamp noted that should Ndeulita be of the view that he was unfairly dismissed, he has the liberty to seek further redress of the matter through any competent court of law.

Ndeulita was appointed as a grade eight teacher at Hashiyana Primary School in 2018. 

-Nampa